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"Hearty hobo casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables baked golden in a casserole dish."

Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe | Easy Family Dinner Comfort Food Idea

"Cheesy, hearty, and comforting — hobo casserole ground beef recipe is the family dinner everyone will love!"
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American / Comfort Food
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish (glass or ceramic)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3–4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Brown Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Prepare Potatoes: Wash and slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
  • Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream soup with milk until smooth.
  • Layer Casserole: Grease a casserole dish. Layer half the potatoes, half the beef mixture, half the vegetables, and half the sauce. Repeat layers.
  • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Rest & Serve: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Variations: Try Tex-Mex with taco seasoning and salsa, Italian-style with marinara and mozzarella, or vegetarian with lentils and mushrooms.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; freeze portions for 2 months.
  • Reheating: Best reheated in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Microwave for convenience, but texture may soften.
  • Pairings: Serve with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or coleslaw for balance.
  • Common Mistakes: Avoid undercooked potatoes by slicing thinly, prevent watery sauce by using condensed soup, and add cheese halfway through baking to avoid burning.
Keyword budget-friendly dinner, family comfort food, ground beef casserole, potato bake